Ashby Morrison

Ashby Morrison is an Associate Professor of Biology at Stanford University, with appointments in the Department of Biology within the School of Humanities and Sciences. Dr. Morrison is also a member of multiple interdisciplinary institutes at Stanford, including Bio-X, the Cardiovascular Institute, the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI), and the Stanford Cancer Institute.

Dr. Morrison received their Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Baylor College of Medicine in 2004, followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Carcinogenesis at MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2009.

Dr. Morrison's research focuses on understanding how chromatin structure contributes to genomic integrity and metabolic homeostasis. The Morrison lab investigates how chromatin-remodeling complexes, modified histones, and higher-order chromatin structure influence genome stability, with particular emphasis on how these mechanisms prevent disease pathogenesis. Their work employs an integrated approach using genetic, biochemical, and molecular techniques across both yeast and mammalian systems to study the relationship between chromatin regulation and disease development.

The research trends in Dr. Morrison's publications reveal a strong focus on the intersection of chromatin biology, cancer development, and metabolic regulation. Their work spans from fundamental chromatin remodeling mechanisms to clinical applications in cancer and cardiovascular disease. Key themes include the role of tumor suppressors like p53 and RB1 in genome stability, the impact of three-dimensional chromatin structure on mutation distribution, and the connection between metabolic signaling and epigenetic regulation of gene expression.

• Gabilan Fellow Award, Stanford University (2019)
• Chambers Fellow Award, Dudley Chambers, Stanford University (2018-2021)
• Terman Fellow Award, Hewlett Foundation, Stanford University (2010-2013)
• Kimmel Scholar Award, Sidney Kimmel Foundation for Cancer Research (2010-2012)
• Pathways to Independence Award (K99/R00), NIH (2009-2012)

Dr. Morrison actively mentors students at all levels, serving as Doctoral Dissertation Advisor for Chuofan Yu, Doctoral Dissertation Reader for Luis Hernandez, Ilayda Ilerten, Isabel Jabara, and Lindsey Meservey, Orals Chair for Rebecca Mancusi, Postdoctoral Faculty Sponsor for Keith Garcia, and Undergraduate Major Advisor for Ishita Verma. They are involved in multiple graduate programs including Biology, Biophysics, and Cancer Biology. Their lab receives funding from various sources, including the NIH Pathways to Independence Award and the Kimmel Scholar Award, supporting research on chromatin regulation in genome stability and disease.

The Morrison Lab employs a varied experimental approach that includes computational, biochemical, molecular and cellular assays in both yeast and mammalian systems. Their research aims to contribute to the formulation of epigenetic therapies that treat genomic and metabolic dysfunction, which influence cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.